forestry Pulp Roller Precision Engineering
The Scope
A Napier-based forest products company required high-precision rolls to control the thickness and consistency of its pulp product. The existing rolls were unable to consistently achieve the required level of accuracy, presenting an ongoing production challenge.
After years of searching for a more effective solution, the company engaged Hutec to develop and deliver a precision-engineered roll solution designed to meet its exacting operational requirements.
Our Solution
Hutec engineered a new process for fitting stainless steel coverings to the carbon steel shells of the rolls, overcoming the significant technical and precision challenges involved. At 6.5 tonnes each, the rolls were substantial components, yet the fit required exceptional accuracy to achieve the required performance.
The process was engineered to precisely control the fit during thermal expansion, maintaining clearance of just 1.5 mm when the rolls were heated to 200°C. This level of control ensured a highly accurate fit while maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the finished rolls.
The resulting rolls delivered improved accuracy and increased service life, meeting the technical requirements the client had been seeking.
Following the success of the initial three-roll project, the scope was expanded to five rolls, with the project leading to further opportunities to work with this client.
